WWE is enhancing its developmental program this week with several renowned guest coaches joining the Performance Center in Orlando while the NXT roster takes to the road for a series of live events across the Midwest. This concerted effort underscores WWE’s dedication to elevating its upcoming talent through veteran mentorship and expanding its presence with live audiences.
Veteran Stars Join as Guest Coaches at WWE Performance Center
This week, wrestling veterans Ace Steel and Jazz are lending their extensive knowledge and experience to NXT’s developmental roster at the Performance Center. Ace Steel, a longtime wrestling figure and current producer for Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), is back in the WWE fold serving as a guest coach. Steel also has significant backstage experience in AEW, bringing a versatile skill set that benefits both in-ring performance and production aspects.
Alongside Steel, Jazz, a two-time former WWE Women’s Champion, has resumed her ongoing role as a mentor and coach for NXT’s women’s division. Known for her straightforward, no-nonsense approach, Jazz has been a recurring figure at the Performance Center throughout 2025, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of female WWE Superstars.
Adding to this coaching lineup, WWE is reportedly considering bringing in former Cruiserweight Champion TJP (TJ Perkins) as a guest coach in the near future. TJP’s blend of technical mastery and global wrestling experience—from WWE to NJPW and Impact Wrestling—would make him a valuable asset to NXT talent development.
A WWE insider shared, “Bringing veterans like Steel and Jazz back into the training environment infuses the Performance Center with proven expertise that the younger talent can’t get anywhere else. With TJP possibly joining soon, the coaching roster is shaping up to be one of the most experienced in recent years.”[1][3][4]
NXT Hits the Road With Added Star Power
While the guest coaches are hard at work behind the scenes, the NXT roster is on a three-city live event tour, hitting Columbus, Cleveland, and Detroit from October 9 through 11. This non-televised stretch is part of WWE’s strategic effort to expand NXT’s footprint and give fans nationwide a chance to see rising stars in action outside of television broadcasts.
The inclusion of recognizable names on the road show bolsters its appeal, promising a vibrant mix of established and up-and-coming talent. Detroit’s event is already generating buzz, with tickets still available and anticipation high among local wrestling fans eager to witness NXT’s evolving product live.
Strategic Growth Through Guest Coaches and Touring
Expert guest coaches like Steel, Jazz, and potentially TJP fill a critical developmental role by imparting in-ring skills, psychology, and professionalism to WWE’s rising stars. Their diverse backgrounds—ranging from hardcore wrestling roots to cruiserweight technicality—offer a broad educational spectrum for NXT talents preparing for the main roster.
Meanwhile, consistent touring, with stops in key Midwestern markets, not only helps establish NXT as a mainstream touring brand but also provides invaluable live wrestling experience for those on the cusp of WWE stardom. It also aligns with WWE’s broader push to enhance performance centers as hubs of innovation while simultaneously increasing fan engagement through live events.
Why These Moves Matter for WWE’s Future
In a wrestling environment where talent development is paramount, WWE’s dual approach of boosting coaching quality and broadening the live event schedule is a clear investment in long-term success. High-caliber mentors accelerate rookie growth, reducing rookie mistakes and improving storyline credibility. Live touring builds regional fan bases and polishes performers’ ability to connect with audiences in real time.
One NXT coach noted, “The guys and girls coming through now have more opportunities than ever, but it all comes down to the guidance they get. Having legends in the room and plenty of chances to wrestle live builds confidence fast.”[2]
What to Expect Next
With Jazz and Ace Steel currently on-site at the Performance Center and TJP under consideration, fans and insiders expect more guest coaching announcements as WWE continues to refine NXT’s developmental system. Additionally, the ongoing tour will further test the depth and versatility of the NXT roster, setting the stage for significant storylines and breakout stars as the year progresses.
WWE’s commitment to mixing seasoned veterans and fresh faces signals a proactive approach to talent cultivation, blending tradition with modern demands. As NXT increases its touring presence and benefits from expert guest coaching, the brand is poised to become a more formidable feeder system for WWE’s main roster.
Sources: PWInsider, Ringside News, Fightful, Wrestling Headlines